System and apparatus for managing media content

ABSTRACT

A system and apparatus for managing media content is disclosed. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a terminal device can have a controller element that receives a media guide from a Set-Top Box (STB), and presents on a display unit of the terminal device the media guide without presentation of said media guide on a media device coupled to the STB. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to media systems and morespecifically to a system and apparatus for managing media content.

BACKGROUND

Most users typically navigate through media content such as a televisionprogram viewed on an analog or digital media device with a remotecontrol that manages the media device directly or indirectly by way of aSet-Top Box (STB). Common remote controls provide a keypad with numericfeatures and functions for switching channels, viewing programmingguides, and controlling overall functions of the media device (e.g.,volume, color, contrast, etc.). Although managing media content in thisfashion has proven effective over the years, it remains cumbersome undercertain use cases.

A need therefore arises for a system and apparatus for managing mediacontent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a terminal device;

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the terminal device operatingin a media system;

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary method operating in the media system;

FIGS. 4-8 depict exemplary operational embodiments of the terminaldevice managing media content; and

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system within which a set of instructions, whenexecuted, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure provide a systemand apparatus for managing media content.

In a first embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer-readablestorage medium in a terminal device can have computer instructions forreceiving a media guide from a Set-Top Box (STB), and presenting on adisplay unit of the terminal device the media guide without presentationof said media guide on a media device coupled to the STB.

In a second embodiment of the present disclosure, STB can have acontroller element that transmits a media guide to a terminal device forpresentation on a display unit of the terminal device withoutpresentation of said media guide on a media device coupled to the STB.

In a third embodiment of the present disclosure, a media device can havea controller element that receives video programming from an STB withoutprogram interruption while the STB transmits a media guide to a terminaldevice for presentation on a display unit of the terminal device.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a terminal device (TD) 100.The TD 100 can comprise a wireless or wireline transceiver 102, a userinterface (UI) 104, a power supply 116, and a controller 103 formanaging operations of the foregoing components. The transceiver 102 canutilize common communication technologies to support singly or incombination any number of wireline access technologies such as cable,xDSL, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), and so on.

Singly or in combination with the wireline technology, the transceiver102 can support singly or in combination any number of wireless accesstechnologies including without limitation infrared, Digital EnhancedCordless Telecommunications (DECT), Bluetooth™, Wireless Fidelity(WiFi), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), UltraWide Band (UWB), software defined radio (SDR), and cellular accesstechnologies such as CDMA-1X, W-CDMA/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, andEVDO. SDR can be utilized for accessing public and private communicationspectrum with any number of communication protocols that can bedynamically downloaded over-the-air to the TD 100. It should be notedalso that next generation wireline and wireless access technologies canalso be applied to the present disclosure.

The UI element 104 can include a keypad 106 with depressible or touchsensitive keys and a navigation element such as a navigation disk,button, roller ball, or flywheel for manipulating operations of the TD100. The UI element 104 can further include a display 108 such asmonochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) which can be touchsensitive for manipulating operations of the TD 100 and for conveyingimages to the end user of said device, and an audio system 110 thatutilizes common audio technology for conveying and intercepting audiblesignals of the end user.

The power supply 116 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable batteries, supply regulation technologies, andcharging system technologies for supplying energy to the components ofthe TD 100 and to facilitate portable applications. Depending on thetype of power supply 116 used, the TD 100 can represent an immobile orportable communication device. In this embodiment, power can be derivedfrom a common AC outlet, a cable interface using Power over Ethernet, orother suitable power source means. The controller 103 can utilizecomputing technologies such as a microprocessor and/or digital signalprocessor (DSP) with associated storage memory such a Flash, ROM, RAM,SRAM, DRAM or other like technologies for controlling operations of theTD 100.

The TD 100 can further represent a single operational device or a familyof devices configured in a master-slave arrangement. In the latterembodiment, the components of the TD 100 can be reused in different formfactors for the master and slave TDs.

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the TD 100 operating in amedia system 200. In this embodiment, the media system 200 can comprisea residential gateway (RG) 202 that provides access to a serviceprovider's network services such as voice, video and/or data services.The RG 202 can be coupled to a router/firewall/proxy device 204 thatperforms the function of a secure wired and/or wireless local areanetwork (LAN) 205 in a residential or commercial setting. The RG 204 canbe coupled to one or more Set-Top Boxes (STBs) 206 and correspondingmedia devices 208 (such as an analog or digital television set) forviewing analog or digital (e.g., IPTV) media services. The RG 204 canalso be coupled to a master-slave arrangement of TDs 100 (shown as aframe and slave handsets). The TDs 100 communicate by way of a base unit210 coupled to the LAN 205 by common means. The TDs 100 in thisrepresentation can perform voice, video and data service functions withremote devices within the confines of the LAN 205. Alternatively, theTDs 100 can communicate directly with the STB 206. It would be apparentto one of ordinary skill in the art that any direct or indirect meansfor communicating with the STB 206 can be applied to the presentdisclosure.

As shown in FIG. 2, the TD 100 can have multiple embodiments includingwithout limitation a cellular phone, a remote control, a cordless phonein the form of a handset or tablet (frame), a personal digitalassistant, or a computing device such as a laptop or desktop computer(see FIG. 2). It would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the artthat the TD 100 of the present disclosure can embody any device having adisplay with a transceiver capable of communicating with the STB by wireor over-the-air using any present or future transmission medium. Forconvenience of presentation, and not to be considered limiting to thescope of the present disclosure, operations of the TD 100 will bedescribed on the basis of the cordless phone embodiments shown in FIG.2.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a method 300 operating in themedia system 200. Method 300 begins with step 302 in which a user entersan authorization ID into a TD 200 to enable its use. This step can beused in cases where end users would like to restrict access to TDs on aper user basis. The authorization ID can be a user ID, a password, apersonal identification number (PIN), a biometric ID (e.g., voice,fingerprint, retina, etc.) or other suitable form of identification. Ifthe authorization ID received by the TD 100 is valid in step 304, thenthe TD proceeds to step 306 where it associates itself with the STB 206.If the entry is invalid, the TD 100 rejects the authorization ID andreturns to step 302. The TD 100 can be further programmed to rejectadditional authorization attempts after several consecutiveauthorization failures. The TD 100 can, for example, reject furtherattempts for a period of time to reduce the possibility of anunauthorized user guessing the authorization ID. The TD 100 can also beprogrammed to submit a notice of possible tampering to its end user byway of, for example, an email, or over-the-air message.

In step 306, the TD 100 can be programmed to associate itself with theSTB 206. This association can be reactive such as, for example, an enduser of the TD 100 depressing a key function of the UI 104 that submitsan access request to the STB 206 by way of the LAN 205 using wired orwireless means. Alternatively, the association can be proactive in whichthe TD 100 automatically submits an access request to the STB 206 whenit detects the STB is accessible (by polling or other common detectiontechniques).

Once the TD 100 has made an association with the STB 206, it proceeds tostep 308 where it awaits a request from the end user. From this step,the TD 100 can perform a number of functions such as direct programmingat other STBs (step 310), set viewing guidelines at the STBs (step 312),request a media guide from a select STB (step 314), request a videoprogram from the STB (step 316), request monitoring of activities atother STBs (step 318), and/or other common media device 208 operationfunctions (e.g., volume control, TV contrast, etc.). These requests canbe invoked by a single keypad depression or a sequence of interactionswith the UI 104 to achieve any one of the aforementioned requests.Additionally, the requested information can be submitted by the STB 206to the TD 100 in the form of metadata or other suitable information thatcan be used to present said requests on the display 108 of the TD.

For example, as shown in the TD 100 of FIG. 4, a user can selectivelycommunicate with STB 1 or STB 2 by touching one of these GUI elements onthe screen or using the roller ball for said selection. Once an STB 206is selected, the TD 100 can present on the display a graphical userinterface (GUI) representing a menu with the aforementioned requestoptions. Alternatively, selection of either STB GUI button can result inthe presentation of another GUI in the form of a large remote controlunit with said request options and common media device controls (volume,channel changer, imaging functions, etc.) being selectable by way of atouch screen or like selection method.

Step 310, can be useful in cases where an end user wants to direct videoprogramming at multiple media devices 208 (such as in an entertainmentsetting, e.g., sports bar, or festivity in a residence). In this step,the end user can, for example, broadcast viewing of a particular channelon all STBs 206 rather than having to navigate between STBs. This stepcan be completed in potentially two steps: selecting a channel ofinterest, and selecting thereafter a broadcast button or function of theGUI remote control unit. Other selection techniques can be used. Itshould be noted that a broadcast channel request can be transmitted tothe STBs 206 by an STB interacting with the TD 100 making such requestor by way of a broadcast messages sent directly to the LAN 205.

Step 312 can be utilized for establishing viewing guidelines at the STBs206, TDs 100, and/or media devices 208. This step can serve toestablish, for example, parental controls or enterprise policies for theviewing of programming at a number of media devices 208 operating in aselect LAN 205. The viewing guidelines can comprise establishing anallowable viewing period at each media device 208, rating restrictions(e.g., PG v. PG-13 or R) for viewing video programs, use restrictions atother TDs 100, or any other suitable use guideline applicable to thepresent disclosure. The viewing guidelines can be submitted to one STB208 that coordinates such guidelines with other STBs, or the guidelinescan be individually set at each STB by way of the LAN 205.

When requesting a media guide in step 314, the STB 206 interacting withthe TD 100 making the request can be programmed to submit said guide tothe requesting TD without interrupting program viewing at the mediadevice 208 associated with the STB receiving the request. A media guidein this context can represent a media menu for controlling, for example,operations of the media device 208, and/or a media programming guide fornavigating through video programs or other media content (e.g., stillpictures). This step is helpful in that it avoids a viewing disruptionof a video program being played at the media device 208 when there aremultiple viewers or the requesting party wants to multitask withoutinterrupting an on-going program.

In step 320, the TD 100 can be programmed to determine if the mediaguide received in step 312 has arrived while viewing another activity(e.g., a video program). If it has, the media guide can be overlapped orsuperimposed in whole or in part with a previous viewing in step 322(see FIGS. 6 and 8). Otherwise, the TD 100 presents said media guideexclusively in step 324 (see FIGS. 5 and 7).

Step 316 accounts for a use case when a video program has beenrequested. The video program selected can be a selection made by the enduser from the media guide received in step 314. Like before steps320-324 perform the task of determining whether superimposing ofviewable activities are necessary.

Step 318 represents a use case where an end user of a TD 100 desires tomonitor activities at other STBs 206. The activities monitored can be alive program being viewed at each of the STBs, or activity informationthat describes in text or otherwise what activities are being presentedat the media devices 208 associated with the other STBs 206.Presentation of this monitored information can be managed by steps320-324 as just described.

Although not shown, when multiple activities are being reviewed at thesame time (e.g., step 322), a TD 100 represented by the embodiment of aframe (with a large display) can be programmed to establish a matrix orarray of viewable screens so that simultaneous activities can bemonitored. In this embodiment, each screen can be selectively navigated,or removed. When screen removal occurs, the TD 100 can be programmed toadjust the size of the remaining screens based on the new accommodatedspace. Similarly, when a new screen is added, the TD 100 can beprogrammed to adjust the size of all screens. Alternatively, or incombination, some screens can be given more priority in size (e.g.,menus or program guides) to more effectively interpret and react to theactivities being viewed. In yet another embodiment, when too manyscreens are being activated, some of the screens can be held in abackground state. In this embodiment, the TD 100 can be programmed witha panning function which can bring into view hidden screens (similar toa virtual desktop that is larger than a given display size).

Upon reviewing the foregoing embodiments, it would be evident to anartisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can bemodified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope andspirit of the claims described below. There is for instance otherviewable media content for which the present disclosure can be applied(streaming video, still pictures, Internet content, and so on.Similarly, method 300 can be modified (such as for example by removingsteps 302-304) without affecting the scope of the claims describedbelow. A media device 208 and STB 208 can be integrated to afford usersmore space and convenience. From these illustrations, it would beevident to said artisan that many modifications can be made to thepresent disclosure without departing from the scope of the claims statedbelow. Accordingly, the reader is directed to the claims section for afuller understanding of the breadth and scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system 900 within which a set of instructions,when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies discussed above. In some embodiments, the machine operatesas a standalone device. In some embodiments, the machine may beconnected (e.g., using a network) to other machines. In a networkeddeployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or aclient user machine in server-client user network environment, or as apeer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, apersonal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a desktopcomputer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge, or anymachine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential orotherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will beunderstood that a device of the present disclosure includes broadly anyelectronic device that provides voice, video or data communication.Further, while a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shallalso be taken to include any collection of machines that individually orjointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform anyone or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

The computer system 900 may include a processor 902 (e.g., a centralprocessing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU, or both), a mainmemory 904 and a static memory 906, which communicate with each othervia a bus 908. The computer system 900 may further include a videodisplay unit 910 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, asolid state display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). The computer system900 may include an input device 912 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor controldevice 914 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 916, a signal generationdevice 918 (e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interfacedevice 920.

The disk drive unit 916 may include a machine-readable medium 922 onwhich is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software 924)embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions describedherein, including those methods illustrated above. The instructions 924may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the mainmemory 904, the static memory 906, and/or within the processor 902during execution thereof by the computer system 900. The main memory 904and the processor 902 also may constitute machine-readable media.

Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to,application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays andother hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement themethods described herein. Applications that may include the apparatusand systems of various embodiments broadly include a variety ofelectronic and computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions intwo or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices withrelated control and data signals communicated between and through themodules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit.Thus, the example system is applicable to software, firmware, andhardware implementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, themethods described herein are intended for operation as software programsrunning on a computer processor. Furthermore, software implementationscan include, but not limited to, distributed processing orcomponent/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtualmachine processing can also be constructed to implement the methodsdescribed herein.

The present disclosure contemplates a machine readable medium containinginstructions 924, or that which receives and executes instructions 924from a propagated signal so that a device connected to a networkenvironment 926 can send or receive voice, video or data, and tocommunicate over the network 926 using the instructions 924. Theinstructions 924 may further be transmitted or received over a network926 via the network interface device 920.

While the machine-readable medium 922 is shown in an example embodimentto be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should betaken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralizedor distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) thatstore the one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-readablemedium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable ofstoring, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by themachine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies of the present disclosure.

The term “machine-readable medium” shall accordingly be taken toinclude, but not be limited to: solid-state memories such as a memorycard or other package that houses one or more read-only (non-volatile)memories, random access memories, or other re-writable (volatile)memories; magneto-optical or optical medium such as a disk or tape;and/or a digital file attachment to e-mail or other self-containedinformation archive or set of archives is considered a distributionmedium equivalent to a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, thedisclosure is considered to include any one or more of amachine-readable medium or a distribution medium, as listed herein andincluding art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which thesoftware implementations herein are stored.

Although the present specification describes components and functionsimplemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standardsand protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards andprotocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switchednetwork transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) representexamples of the state of the art. Such standards are periodicallysuperseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentiallythe same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocolshaving the same functions are considered equivalents.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments,and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all theelements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use ofthe structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparentto those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Otherembodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structuraland logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing fromthe scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representationaland may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may beexaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, thespecification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative ratherthan a restrictive sense.

Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred toherein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merelyfor convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope ofthis application to any single invention or inventive concept if morethan one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments havebeen illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that anyarrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substitutedfor the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to coverany and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in theart upon reviewing the above description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R.§1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quicklyascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted withthe understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit thescope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing DetailedDescription, it can be seen that various features are grouped togetherin a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure.This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting anintention that the claimed embodiments require more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of asingle disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are herebyincorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing onits own as a separately claimed subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium, comprising computer instructions which when executed by aprocessor cause the processor to perform operations comprising:presenting a first graphical user interface at a display unit of amobile terminal device, wherein the first graphical user interfacecomprises a first plurality of selectable elements corresponding to aplurality of set top boxes; receiving a selection of a set top box basedon user input at the first graphical user interface; presenting a secondgraphical user interface at the display unit of the mobile terminaldevice, wherein the second graphical user interface comprises a secondplurality of selectable elements corresponding to a plurality of requestoptions for the selected set top box including a media guide; submittingto the selected set top box a request to view the media guide during andwithout interrupting an on-going first video program presented at amedia device associated with the selected set top box, wherein therequest is based on user input at the second graphical user interface;receiving the media guide from the selected set top box; presenting athird graphical user interface at the display unit of the mobileterminal device, wherein the third graphical user interface comprisesthe media guide, the media guide including a programming guide;receiving a program selection regarding a second video program from theprogramming guide of the media guide, wherein the program selection isbased on user input at the third graphical user interface; submitting tothe selected set top box a request to view the selected second videoprogram during and without interrupting the on-going first video programpresented at the media device; receiving from the selected set top boxthe second video program; detecting the media guide being presented bythe display unit; adjusting a presentation area of the media guide onthe display unit to generate an available presentation area for thesecond video program, wherein the presentation area for the media guideis determined according to a size priority assigned to the media guide;and presenting the second video program in the available presentationarea of the display unit.
 2. The non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium of claim 1, wherein the media device comprises atelevision, and wherein the mobile terminal device and the display unitare in a master-slave relationship with each other.
 3. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein themedia guide comprises metadata that is configured for enabling thedisplay unit to present the programming guide.
 4. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the operationsfurther comprises: selectively providing a request to the selected settop box from the mobile terminal device to monitor activities at anothermedia device, based on user input at the second graphical userinterface; and presenting a video program or program informationassociated with the activities monitored at the other media device. 5.The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 1, whereinthe operations further comprises establishing viewing guidelines atanother set top box.
 6. The non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of claim 5, wherein the viewing guidelines comprise setting anallowable viewing period, a rating restriction for viewing videoprograms or use restrictions at other terminal devices.
 7. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein theoperations further comprises restricting access to the mobile terminaldevice.
 8. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim7, wherein the operations further comprise removing restricted access tothe mobile terminal device upon receiving a user identification, apassword, a personal identification number or a biometric identity. 9.The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 1, whereinthe operations further comprise directing presentation of a mediaprogram at another set top box.
 10. The non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium of claim 1, wherein the media guide corresponds to aninternet protocol television media menu and an internet protocoltelevision media programming guide, wherein the media device comprises atelevision, and wherein the operations further comprise associating themobile terminal device with the selected set top box, and wherein themedia guide is generated by the selected set top box.
 11. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein themobile terminal device comprises a wireless communication device withshort-range communication capability.
 12. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the mobile terminaldevice comprises a wireless voice communication device that utilizescode division multiple access, time division multiple access or a globalsystem for mobile communications.
 13. A method, comprising: presenting,by a terminal device, a first graphical user interface at a display unitof the terminal device, wherein the first graphical user interfacecomprises a first plurality of selectable elements corresponding to aplurality of set top boxes; receiving, by the terminal device, aselection of a set top box based on user input at the first graphicaluser interface; presenting, by the terminal device, a second graphicaluser interface at the display unit of the terminal device, wherein thesecond graphical user interface comprises a second plurality ofselectable elements corresponding to a plurality of request options forthe selected set top box including a media guide; submitting, by theterminal device, to the selected set top box a first request to view themedia guide during and without interrupting an on-going first videoprogram presented at a media device associated with the selected set topbox, wherein the first request is based on user input at the secondgraphical user interface; receiving, by the terminal device, the mediaguide from the selected set top box; presenting, by the terminal device,a third graphical user interface at the display unit of the terminaldevice, wherein the third graphical user interface comprises the mediaguide; submitting, by the terminal device, to the selected set top box asecond request to view a second video program during and withoutinterrupting the on-going first video program, wherein the secondrequest is based on user input at the third graphical user interface;detecting, by the terminal device, the media guide being presented bythe display unit; adjusting a presentation area of the media guide onthe display unit to generate an available presentation area for thesecond video program, wherein the presentation area for the media guideis determined according to a size priority assigned to the media guide;and presenting the second video program in the available presentationarea of the display unit.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the mediaguide is generated by the selected set top box.
 15. The method of claim13, further comprising receiving, by the terminal device, a videoprogram selection from a programming guide of the media guide beingpresented by the display unit in the third graphical user interface. 16.The method of claim 13, further comprising transmitting, by the terminaldevice, a signal to the terminal device for monitoring activities atanother media device.
 17. The method of claim 13, further comprisingdirecting the selected set-top box, by the terminal device, to establishviewing guidelines.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the viewingguidelines comprise an allowed viewing period or a rating restrictionfor viewing video programs.
 19. The method of claim 13, wherein theterminal device is a mobile cellular phone configured for providingvoice communication with remote devices.
 20. A terminal device,comprising: a display unit; a memory to store computer instructions; anda controller element coupled to the memory and the display unit, whereinthe controller element when executing the computer instructions performsoperations comprising: presenting a first graphical user interface atthe display unit, wherein the first graphical user interface comprises afirst plurality of selectable elements corresponding to a plurality ofset top boxes; receiving a selection of a set top box based on userinput at the first graphical user interface; presenting a secondgraphical user interface at the display unit, wherein the secondgraphical user interface comprises a second plurality of selectableelements corresponding to a plurality of request options for theselected set top box including a media guide; submitting to the selectedset top box a first request to view the media guide during and withoutinterrupting an on-going first video program presented at a media deviceassociated with the selected set top box, wherein the first request isbased on user input at the second graphical user interface; receivingthe media guide from the selected set top box; presenting a thirdgraphical user interface at the display unit, wherein the thirdgraphical user interface comprises the media guide; submitting to theselected set top box a second request to view a second video programduring and without interrupting the on-going first video programpresented by the selected set-top box, wherein the second request isbased on user input at the third graphical user interface; receivingfrom the selected set top box the second video program; detecting themedia guide being presented by the display unit; adjusting apresentation area of the media guide on the display unit to generate anavailable presentation area for the video program, wherein thepresentation area for the media guide is determined according to a sizepriority assigned to the media guide; and presenting the second videoprogram in the available presentation area of the display unit.
 21. Theterminal device of claim 20, wherein the terminal device is a portablecommunication device.